In a significant political development, Congress leader Priyank Kharge has made a striking claim that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will follow rules for the first time in its 100-year history. This statement came following the Karnataka High Court's decision to permit the RSS to conduct its route march in Chittapur, the constituency that Kharge represents in the Legislative Assembly.
High Court's Historic Decision
The Karnataka High Court recently granted permission to the RSS to organize a route march in Chittapur taluk. This judicial approval marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing relationship between the Sangh and regulatory authorities. The court's decision, delivered on November 13, 2025, came after careful consideration of the organization's application and the potential implications for public order.
Priyank Kharge, who serves as the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj in the Karnataka government, responded to this development with his characteristic candor. The Congress leader represents Chittapur in the state assembly and has been vocal about his views on the RSS's activities in his constituency and across Karnataka.
Kharge's Political Statement
Kharge's assertion that the RSS would be following rules for the first time in a century carries substantial political weight. The RSS, established in 1925, has completed 100 years of existence, making Kharge's comment particularly significant in the context of the organization's centenary celebrations.
The minister emphasized that the route march would proceed under strict adherence to the conditions set by the court and local authorities. This represents a departure from previous practices, according to Kharge, who has often been critical of the Sangh's approach to regulatory compliance.
Broader Political Implications
The timing of this development and Kharge's response comes amid ongoing political tensions in Karnataka. The state has witnessed numerous debates about the activities of various organizations and their compliance with legal frameworks. The High Court's intervention in this matter sets an important precedent for how such events should be regulated moving forward.
Political observers note that Kharge's statement reflects the continuing political discourse surrounding the RSS's role in Indian society and politics. As the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyank Kharge's comments carry additional significance within the national political landscape.
The route march permission and the subsequent political reactions highlight the delicate balance between freedom of assembly and maintaining public order. With the court's decision now implemented, all eyes will be on how the RSS conducts its activities in Chittapur and whether this indeed marks a new chapter in the organization's approach to regulatory compliance.
